Bowing or leaning walls are easy to recognize due to their changing appearance. When a wall begins to bow, it will begin to move inward and bow in the middle. Depending on the severity of the bowing, walls may also have a crack running horizontally along the wall; which is a direct result from the hydrostatic pressure building up against a home’s foundational walls.

While the most common areas of bowing walls are found in basements, due to the location of foundational walls, above ground walls can also experience bowing. Early signs of bowing or leaning, in both above and below ground walls, include water leakage, bulging, and cracking. If not fixed immediately upon discovery, the problem will only continue to worsen resulting in foundation failure and moisture damage.

Fortunately, The Foundation Doctor has developed proven methods to help repair, stabilize and reinforce bowing or leaning walls. Using industry-approved methods, such as wall reinforcements and wall anchors, the bowing walls St. Louis homeowners once experienced will become a thing of the past. In fact, a trained and experienced representative will first evaluate a bowed wall to determine which method of repair will be needed. Additionally, since this is a foundational issue and directly affects a home’s structural integrity, all walls of the home can be inspected allowing for total structural repair and reinforcement. This will ensure no further wall bowing damage will occur and should eliminate moisture seepage at the affected, cracked areas.

Using the first method, The Reinforcer, walls are stabilized using a 4” wide, carbon fiber strip that is bonded with structural epoxy to provide a strong, yet subtly-appearing repair. Materials used are ten times stronger than steel yet are virtually unnoticeable. The Reinforcer comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty and is non-corrosive and non-flammable.

The next method of bowed wall repair involves wall anchors; which are metal plates installed on the interior of foundation walls tied to anchors. The anchor is tied into a concrete block approx 3’x3’x4′ deep, buried in the homeowner’s yard. The completion of this project prevents hydrostatic pressure pushing up against foundational walls to cause any damage to the reinforced areas.

If you are experiencing any bowing or leaning in your walls, these issues need to be addressed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The Foundation Doctor offers free evaluations to help homeowners eliminate this safety issue and have peace-of-mind knowing the structural integrity of their home’s foundation has been checked by a trusted, qualified foundation professional.